xAI's "Colossus" Supercomputer in Memphis Sparks Health Concerns Over Emissions

xAI's Memphis supercomputer sparks health concerns over excessive emissions.
Matilda
xAI's "Colossus" Supercomputer in Memphis Sparks Health Concerns Over Emissions
Elon Musk's artificial intelligence startup, xAI, is under fire for its plans to power its "Colossus" supercomputer in Memphis, Tennessee, with 15 gas turbines. While the computational power of "Colossus" promises advancements in AI, the chosen power source has ignited a debate concerning environmental regulations and public health. Documents obtained by The Commercial Appeal reveal that xAI intends to continue using these turbines, which have been operating since the summer of 2024, to fuel the supercomputer from June 2025 to June 2030. The controversy stems from the turbines' emission of hazardous air pollutants (HAP), including formaldehyde, at levels that significantly exceed established safety limits. The Emissions Issue: A Breach of Environmental Regulations? The core of the issue lies in the amount of HAP emitted by these gas turbines. According to the operating permit filed with the Shelby County Health Department, each turbine is estimated to rel…